RESERVED Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'reserved' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reserved are reticent , secretive , silent , and taciturn . While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange. // greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

Q: When could 'reticent' be used to replace 'reserved'?

While the synonyms reticent and reserved are close in meaning, reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs. // was reticent about his plans

Q: When would 'secretive' be a good substitute for 'reserved'?

In some situations, the words secretive and reserved are roughly equivalent. However, secretive , too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal. // the secretive research and development division

Q: When is it sensible to use 'silent' instead of 'reserved'?

The meanings of silent and reserved largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. // the strong, silent type

Q: Where would 'taciturn' be a reasonable alternative to 'reserved'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reserved , taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability. // taciturn villagers

reserved 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈzərvd

Definition of reserved next

as in silent

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) a reserved and shy person who was wrongly thought to be stuck-up until someone finally got into a conversation with her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reserved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of reserve

as in booked

to arrange to have something (as a hotel room) held for one's future use we made sure to reserve a kennel for our dog several months before the start of the family vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in retained

to continue to have in one's possession or power I'm reserving the right to work by myself if you don't do your share of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dedicated

to keep or intend for a special purpose we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reserved distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reserved are reticent, secretive, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When could reticent be used to replace reserved?

While the synonyms reticent and reserved are close in meaning, reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

When would secretive be a good substitute for reserved?

In some situations, the words secretive and reserved are roughly equivalent. However, secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When is it sensible to use silent instead of reserved?

The meanings of silent and reserved largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to reserved?

While in some cases nearly identical to reserved, taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

Examples of reserved in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Despite this, the performances are mostly quiet and reserved, which works in the film’s favor. —

Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024 The most prominent of the goons-for-hire—the reserved and soulful Igor, whose hidden depths are gradually revealed—is played by Borisov. —

Tomris Laffly, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 Unlike decades of reserved and distant presidents, Mr. López Obrador has built a deep personal connection with many Mexicans. —

Mark Stevenson, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2024 Committing to savings plans, using reserved instances/spot instances based on current usage patterns and future forecasts. —

Suresh Mathew, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reserved

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserved

Adjective

Guam’s forests fell silent as 10 of the island's 12 forest-dwelling bird species vanished from the wild.

Scott Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Our families back home suffer, their cries for help echoing across borders while the world remains silent.

Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024